There are many ways to capture representations of the complex cultural and social fabric that defines a specific region. New York based English photographer Jason Florio has been regularly traveling to The Gambia for the past 12 years, developing a strong bond with the country, a narrow piece of land situated on the Western coast of Africa. His latest trip in the fall of 2009 was slightly more adventuresome than his previous journeys, a 930 km circumnavigation of The Gambia by foot, taking Florio through a large part of the country, including more than thirty villages.

The Republic of The Gambia, also known as The Gambia or Gambia, is the smallest country on the African continent, less than 30 miles at its widest point. Its population includes most of the ethnic groups found in Western Africa, including the Mandinka (the largest group), Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serahule. A majority of the people resides in rural villages, where ancient practices remain an important part of everyday life.

Silafando, translated from the Mandinka ‘a gift to you on behalf of my journey’, is still a current practice between traveler and host. Upon arrival in each of the villages, Florio made the traditional offering, a bag of kola nuts, to the Alkalo, the elected village chief in the system of local leadership. In addition to this local custom, Florio made a portrait of each of the Alkalos that welcomed him and his fellow travelers in the villages, offering the printed photograph to the chief, which he was able to produce on location. From these encounters Florio brought back a series of beautiful and sensitive color portraits of more than 30 Alkalos he met along his journey, capturing with stunning empathy the elegance, confidence, and the sense of authority that they derive from their status.